As Mental Health Awareness Month approaches in May, this is the perfect time to raise funds and hold events supporting Mental Health Connecticut’s programs and initiatives. Fundraising is a powerful way to enhance access to services and resources, and we couldn’t achieve what we do without the generous support of individuals like you across Connecticut. Whether you are part of a community group, a local business, or simply an individual wanting to give back, you can make a difference through coordinated fundraising efforts during the month of May and beyond.
Here are some ways you can get involved.
Lawn Signs
At Mental Health Connecticut, we offer custom-designed lawn signs for Mental Health Awareness Month that you can proudly display to raise awareness of our work in your neighborhood. These signs could also serve as conversation starters with your neighbors about your involvement and how they can get involved.
Host an Event
Coordinating an event for Mental Health Connecticut during Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect way to raise critical funds and increase awareness of our work. Some event ideas could include:
- Walk/Run for Mental Health – Organize a 5K walk or run in your community and have the proceeds benefit Mental Health Connecticut. There are also races throughout the state that allow you to run on behalf of a charity. If you’re interested in running such a race, contact us to see if there is a way to run on our behalf. This is a great way to continue to support us beyond Mental Health Awareness Month!
- Community Event: Coordinate a panel discussion, host a wellness workshop, or offer a yoga and meditation session. This is an ideal way for a local business to raise greater awareness, and you could even charge a small fee to attend, which would support Mental Health Connecticut and bring greater awareness to Mental Health Awareness Month.
- Restaurant or Business Fundraiser – Are you a local business thinking of ways to give back? Think about donating a percentage of your sales on a designated day during May or having a unique item that all the proceeds support Mental Health Connecticut. We love to get creative, so always feel free to reach out to discuss possible ideas.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaign
Tapping into your network and sharing why Mental Health Connecticut and Mental Health Awareness Month are meaningful to you is an effective way to raise funds. You can initiate a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign through Mental Health Connecticut’s online donation page to share with family and friends. Additionally, you can leverage Facebook or Instagram to encourage your social followers to engage and donate. A fun idea is to host a fundraiser to celebrate your birthday and ask your followers to contribute instead of sending gifts this year. You could also host an event at your home, like a paint night, cooking class, or backyard relay, and charge a registration fee that attendees can pay on your campaign page.
Next Steps?
Once you develop a fundraising idea, it’s essential to spread the word about your efforts. Use social media platforms or personal emails to share details about your event or fundraising campaign. If you feel comfortable, honestly explain why this organization has made such an impact on you. If you’re hosting an event, reach out to your local newspapers and other media outlets so they can help you promote it.
As you fundraise, especially if you’re conducting a campaign, share your progress with your network and celebrate milestones. If you have a goal, make sure to share that as well so people can follow your progress.
Committing to fundraising during Mental Health Awareness Month is a great way to support individuals with mental health conditions while supporting resources and programs run by the Mental Health Center.
Ready to take action? Contact Bethany Simmonds at bsimmonds@mhconn.org or visit the Mental Health Connecticut website.
